Light is a scarce resource during the Norwegian winter. Perhaps this is what has triggered Norwegian designers’ interest in lamp design?
30/04/2008 :: “Lighting is obviously of interest to people in the north. I have always experimented with lamps at home,” says Norwegian designer Cathrine Kullberg.
Norwegian Forest
Kullberg found inspiration for Norwegian Forest, her signature lamp, in Norwegian nature. It consists of a cylinder made of thin birch veneer, in which the motif has been delicately cut by laser.
Its simple design has become popular in a number of countries. Norwegian Forest seems to appeal to a broad public of all ages and from all layers of society. Kullberg has been contacted by people in Kuwait, California, Japan and the UK. The lamp is currently on sale not just in many Norwegian towns, but on several continents.
Norwegian Forest gives a warm light in the evening, the thin veneer producing an effect that is reminiscent of an open fire. In the daytime the light is colder. Photo: Cathrine Kullberg Lighting.
“I think the reason it appeals to so many people is that it expresses Nordic simplicity but at the same time creates a warm atmosphere with exciting light effects produced by the forest outline,” says Kullberg.
Kullberg’s lamp has been depicted in several international publications. Kullberg will soon participate in a furniture exhibition in New York. Photo: Cathrine Kullberg Lighting.
Northern Lighting
Northern Lighting’s most recent addition to the forest of lamps is Moo, an illuminated elk. This is more than just a lamp. It includes a recipe for roast elk. The lamp that became Northern Lighting’s breakthrough was Snowball, designed by Trond Svengård.
The illuminated elk lamp is called Moo. The lamp, designed by Trond Svengård and Ove Rogne, will be on sale from the autumn. Photo: Northern Lighting.
Photo: Northern Lighting.
“We find inspiration in Nordic nature, in the subtleties of the extraordinary natural light we are surrounded by here in the north, in our cultural heritage and in our modern way of life. Northern Lighting is thus a brand that distinguishes itself by trying to capture some of the special features of the north, and our lamps reflect the place we come from,” says Ove Rogne, one of Northern Lighting’s designers.
Snowball, designed by Trond Svengård, is a classical lamp with a frosted glass bowl the size of a snowball. Photo: Northern Lighting.
Oslo Wood, designed by Ove Rogne, spreads light like that seen in the forests around Oslo. Photo: Northern Lighting.
Northern Lighting was started three years ago and consists of four designers – Trond and Jørgen Svendgård, Erlend Lappegard and Ove Rogne. Previously three economists and a chef, they became four design entrepreneurs, and are now selling lamps in 14 countries. At Northern Lighting designers are welcome to present lamp concepts, and the firm cooperates with both established and new designers.
Seed, designed by Hedda H. Braathen, is covered in a knitted tube. Four covers come with the lamp, as well as instructions for how to knit your own cover. Photo: Northern Lighting.
Scheisse is a suspended lamp designed by Hans Bleken Rud. It can be interpreted as a comment on the possible demise of the incandescent bulb. Photo: Northern Lighting.
Slumber lamp
LULL is a lamp that opens up in the morning, with a light that gradually increases in intensity. Correspondingly, it closes up at night, glowing warmly until it turns itself off. The young designers of the lamp, which combines existing technology with a new form of expression, are Marianne Varmo, Audun Kollstad og Heidi Buene. They were recently awarded the Norwegian Design Council’s Young Talent Award.
Lull – the jury’s verdict: ”This is a product designed to surprise, and many people will feel it meets a need. The lamp is easy to understand, is well conceived and is clearly developed in consultation with a psychologist and a sleep specialist." Photo: Audun Kolstad/ Norwegian Design Council.
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs